Corrida de los Candiles generates major excitement across the Costa del Sol

The Marbella Bullring will once again be illuminated by lanterns and candles for one of the most recognisable events on its summer calendar. On Friday, 7 August 2026, from 10 pm, the venue will host a new edition of the Corrida de los Candiles, an evening bullfight that has generated considerable interest among fans in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol.

The line-up will bring together Morante de la Puebla, José María Manzanares and Aarón Palacio, who will face six bulls from the Cayetano Muñoz breeding ranch. The combination of two established stars and one of the emerging names in bullfighting is one of the main attractions of an event also known for its distinctive staging.

A bullfight illuminated by candlelight

The defining feature of the event is the atmosphere created shortly before the traditional opening procession. The bullring’s usual lighting is reduced, leaving the arena illuminated by lanterns and candles.

This setting transforms the beginning of the bullfight into a visual spectacle, with the sand glowing beneath the Marbella night sky. The atmosphere has helped establish the event as one of the Costa del Sol’s most distinctive summer bullfighting occasions.

The 2025 edition demonstrated the level of public interest surrounding the event. The bullring displayed a sold-out sign for the first time in more than four decades. That evening featured Morante de la Puebla, Juan Ortega and Pablo Aguado, who collectively received six ears and one tail.

Morante de la Puebla returns after his 2025 triumph

One of the main attractions of this year’s event will be the return of Morante de la Puebla. The Seville-born bullfighter delivered one of the most widely discussed performances of the 2025 season during last year’s Corrida de los Candiles.

He received the highest honours despite suffering a serious fall while facing his second bull of the evening.

Morante has also become the central figure in Marbella’s 2026 bullfighting season. He was included in both events scheduled in the city: the bullfight held on 13 June as part of the San Bernabé festivities and the Corrida de los Candiles on 7 August.

His distinctive style and ability to attract large audiences will once again place him at the centre of an evening hoping to recreate the atmosphere of last summer.

Manzanares’ experience and Aarón Palacio’s ambition

Alongside Morante, José María Manzanares will take part as one of the most recognisable figures in Spanish bullfighting. The Alicante-born matador will bring his experience and a style traditionally associated with elegance, technique and consistency in major bullrings.

The third name on the line-up is Aarón Palacio, who represents a new generation of bullfighters. His presence creates a contrast between the experience of two established performers and the ambition of a young matador facing an important opportunity before the Marbella audience.

The three participants will face bulls from Cayetano Muñoz, a breeding ranch based in Zafra. The line-up has been designed to combine experience, individual style and emerging talent.

Marbella regains its place on the bullfighting calendar

The Corrida de los Candiles forms part of the revival of activity at the Marbella Bullring. Since reopening, the venue has once again welcomed prominent names and attracted large audiences during the summer season.

In just two seasons, the bullring has regained a place among the most notable venues on the summer bullfighting calendar, supported by strong public attendance and line-ups featuring some of the leading names of the moment.

Organisers have highlighted Marbella’s significant bullfighting following, which has been an important factor in attracting established performers and creating events capable of drawing spectators from other parts of the Costa del Sol.

One of Marbella’s major August events

The bullfight will begin at 10 pm, taking advantage of the cooler evening temperatures while reinforcing the special character created by the candlelit setting. Marbella’s official tourism calendar includes the event among the main activities scheduled for August.

With a line-up combining Morante’s return, Manzanares’ experience and Aarón Palacio’s potential, the Corrida de los Candiles will once again place Marbella at the centre of the summer bullfighting calendar.

The lanterns, the evening atmosphere and the precedent set by the sold-out 2025 edition point towards one of the most anticipated nights of the season.

Information sources: MundoToro, Marbella Town Council, Aplausos and the event’s official programme.